Portable diving platform



March 11, 1969 A. c. LA PIERRE 3,432,003

PORTABLE DIVING PLATFORM Filed Sept. 22, 1966 N NTOR. FIG.2

ALBERT C. LA PIERRE 4 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,432,003 PORTABLEDIVING PLATFORM Albert C. La Pierre, 127 Illinois St., ,Central Falls,RI. 02863 Filed Sept. 22, 1966, Ser. No. 581,211 U.S. Cl. 182-107 Int.Cl. E06c 7/ 42, 7/16; E04g /02 5 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Thepresent invention relates to improvements in portable diving platformsand more particularly to a partially submergible diving platform andladder.

Heretofore, Where it has been desired to provide a diving platform, ithas been necessary for the same to be positively anchored as by use ofpilings or stakes, or other heavy weights were required. This isobjectionable for the reason that a portable diving platform must belightweight and easy to install.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providean improved portable diving platform which requires no positiveanchoring means, such as pilings or stakes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedportable diving platform which is lightweight and simple to install andobviates the need for weights.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedportable diving platform which is compact for transporting and yetstable and sturdy when installed and ready for use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedportable diving platform which utilizes inexpensive material and is easyto manufacture and assemble.

Various other objects and advantages will become apparent from thedetailed description to follow.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portable diving platform inaccordance with the present invention mounted ready for use;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view thereof shown submerged in water.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein like numerals applyto like parts throughout, it will be seen that I have provided animproved portable diving platform 10 which includes a foldable stepladder 12 and an anchor means 14.

The foldable step ladder 12 is comprised of a pair of sections, firstsection 16 and second section 18. The first 16 includes a pair of sidebars 20, 22 angulated at common ends as at 24, 26 and having platform 28secured to the ends 24, 26 by rivets 30. A U-shaped bar 32 has a pair ofside legs 31, 33 telescopically receiving the bars 20, 22 therein withthe sleeves 34, 36 and set screws 38, 40 func- "ice tioning foradjustment purposes. The legs 31, 33 have books 42, 44, 46, 48 securedthereto for a purpose to be described.

A series of steps 50 straddle the bars 20, 22 and legs 31, 33 and aresecured thereto in any desired fashion.

The second section 18 includes a pair of bars 52, 54 and anotherU-shaped bar 56 with hollow side legs 58, 60 telescopically adjustablyreceiving the bars 52,54 therein. Hooks 62, 64 also are provided on eachof the legs 58, 60. The upper ends of bars 52, 54 are pivoted to theplatform, as at 66. Linkage at 68, join the two sections and rigidlysupport the same in the relationship shown in full lines but the twosections can be folded when the linkage is folded as shown in dottedlines in FIGURE 2, as when it is desired to transport the entireplatform.

The anchor means 14 comprises a box open at the top and formed by fourside walls 72, 74, 76, 78 joined by a bottom wall 80, the depth of thebox being approximately equal to the height to the first step. Thecorners of the box have straps 82, 84 attached thereto, as by stitching,and the straps have eyelets formed therein as at 86, 88 for engagementon the respective hooks. The entire box and straps are made of flexiblewaterproof fabric such as canvas.

Thus when mounted in position in water the anchor box is filled withwater and when a diver leaves the platform 28, any tendency for thedevice to tip is substantially completely inhibited by reason of theresistance of the box to movement under water.

Accordingly, it is believed that I have provided an improved portablediving platform which fulfills the objects herein'before enumerated.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the presentembodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since thescope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than bythe description preceding them, and all changes that fall within thenietes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as Well asconjointly cooperative equivalents, are therefore intended to beembraced. by these claims.

I claim:

1. A portable diving platform comprising a foldable step ladderincluding first and second sections hingedly connected so as to bemovable between two end positions in one of which end positions the twosections are folded together and in the other of which end positions thetwo sections are angularly spread for standing support thereof, said twosections being joined by a fiat platform adapted to support a diver, andan anchor means interconnecting the bases of said two sections, saidanchor means being constructed for receiving water therein and therebyacting as a ballast for holding said platform from movement whensubmerged in water.

2. A portable diving platform comprising a foldable step ladderincluding first and second sections hingedly connected so as to bemovable between two end positions in one of which end positions the twosections are folded together and in the other of which end positions thetwo sections are angularly spread for standing support thereof, said twosections bein joined by a flat platform adapted to support a diver, and'an anchor means coupling the bases of said two sections and holdingsaid platform from movement when submerged in Water, said anchor meansbeing defined by a flexible, collapsible box.

3 4 3. A portable diving platform according to claim 2 References Citedwherein said box includes side walls and a bottom wall UNITED STATESPATENTS formed of waterproof fabric, and anchor straps connecting saidside walls with said two sections. 578,562 3/ 1897 Hart 114 209 4. Aportable diving platform according to claim 3 5 621,479 3/1899Stephenson wherein said box is rectangular and of a size when eX- pandedto extend substantially from one section to the other and beingsubstantially as Wide as said sections. 5. A portable diving platformaccording to claim 4 REINALDO MACHADO Pnmary Emmme" wherein said 'box isopen at the top and has a depth sub- 10 U.S. Cl. X.R.

stantially equal to the height between steps of said ladder. 182116, 129

